The Spice Route: Culinary Splendors of South India: February 11-21, 2017

Mumbai . Kochi . Kumarakom . Tekkady . Madurai . Chennai

I am pleased to announce, once again, this very special tour to South India - an 'insider's experience' to the beauty, splendor and romance of this ancient land coupled with a culinary passage through a variety of cuisines that differ from region to region. Our 11-day tour encompasses some of the most spectacular sights, sounds and tastes of South India. You will view the distinctive horticultural and agricultural practices handed downand through the centuries and will trek where the spices and herbs are grown, rice is harvested, tea and coffee are cultivated. You will see how cardamom and black pepper are processed and natural jaggery sugar is produced from the sugarcane. You will wonder the Bazaars in Cochin, the spice capital of the world; cruise the Backwaters of Malabar and observe the great Kathakali-the classic dance of India. You will visit colorful markets, participate in several cooking demonstrations and enjoy varied cuisines ranging from Gujarat Marwari, Jain and Tamil vegetarians to Konkani and Kerala seafood, Goan and Parsi delicacies, to Mumbai's famous street food chaat.
The enticing program is designed to embrace the Indian culinary heritage. You will return with an enriched experience and knowledge, providing you with a better understanding and appreciation of this country and its cuisine. Custom planned and offered exclusively by Julie Sahni, this 11-day tour includes Mumbai (Bombay), Kochi (Cochin), Kumarakom, Tekkady, Madurai, and Chennai (Madras). .

The Tour will include:

All luxury resort and deluxe hotel accommodations

Most meals, including receptions and dinners

Boat rides on Backwaters and lakes

The Hotel and domestic airport transfers with portage supplimented with area experts and on-site guides

Specially arranged banquets, field trips to spice gardens, farm kitchens and fairs, cooking classes and all sightseeing and entrance fees

The Kingdom of Bhutan and The Glorious Moghuls: Culinary Splendors of North India, March 29 - April 10, 2017; Pre-tour Varanasi: March 26-29, 2017.

Bhutan . Delhi . Jaipur . Agra

I am very pleased to announce, this incredible 12-day tour of North India which will include Bhutan, nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, and the glorious Moghul India, a land of contrasts, that combines the rich tradition of an ancient past, represented in its rich culture, monuments and extraordinarily delicious cuisne.

The 12-day tour will journey through the mystical Druk-yul, the land of the thunder dragon, Bhutan, the last Shangrila, an exotic land of high mountains, lush valleys with pristine ecology and amazing Bhutanese architecture and agricultural practices. In North India, observe distinct Moghul and Hindu architecture and a mosaic of diverse religious traditions as you travel through the ancient Indian Rajput, Sikh and Moghul cities. You will visit the opulent Taj Mahal and the unique "Pink City of Jaipur where you will ride an elephant! Exclusive spice and vegetable market visits and lectures with Julie Sahni. Special cooking demonstrations and feasts, arranged in private homes with expert cooks, will delight your palate. This tour will introduce you to diverse and delicious tastes of Moghul cuisine, Kayasth business community, Rajasthan Jain vegetarian, Marwar royal and Punjab foods of Delhiwalas. Vegetable bazaars, wheat fields and typical Indian farm kitchen will give you glimpses of rural landscape and culture - a different India.

The Tour will include:

All Luxury, deluxe and first class hotel accommodations, most meals, including receptions and dinners, visit to the Taj Mahal, twice, at sunset and sunrise, elephant ride to Amber fort, boat ride on the Ganges, the hotel and domestic airport transfers with portage supplimented with area experts and on-site guides, specially arranged banquets, temples, farm kitchens and fairs, cooking classes and all sightseeing and entrance fees, and comprehensive advise and information on pre-travel planning.

Custom planned, offered and led exclusively by Julie Sahni, this 12-day tour will cover the country of Bhutan: Thimu, Punakha and Paro Festival and in India, Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. The optional 3-day pre-tour Varanasi will include the boat ride at sunrise on the Ganges, 6th Century BCE Buddhist pilgrimage site Sarnath, lecture on Ayurvedic healing principles of spices and herbs and Hindu vegetarian cuisine. For a detailed itinerary, tariffs and additional information, please inquire online or call (888) 606-5333.

Testimonials

Julie Sahni’s tour of India was a magical adventure which opened so many doors for me. To immerse oneself in the sights and sounds, the food and culture, and most of all the people of this spectacular land with Julie as one’s guide is a unique experience. Her thorough planning and excellent agenda enabled us to have a true taste of India, while feeling safe and carefully guide. I recommend the trip.- MichaelThank you for a wonderful trip. Your enthusiasm and knowledge made this a terrific experience. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and have had my horizons expanded. I will recommend your tour of India to my colleagues. - Suzanne

Thank you for making my trip to India such an inspiring and memorable experience. Your passion and love of India was evident and I am grateful to you for sharing that! - Karen

Words cannot express how much John & I enjoyed every part of the Indian Culinary Tour. You are a wonderfully generous person. John had the best birthday of his life in India…. Keep me on your mailing list. I’d love to make another trip to India with you. - Marilyn